Implants are for anyone replacing missing teeth. They are also ideal for those with issues from dentures, partial plates, or bridges.

Before And After Dental Implants

Do you have a few missing teeth that you feel embarrassed about when you smile? Does it make it difficult to eat and chew food? At URBN Dental, we have affordable dental implants in Houston to help replace your missing teeth. Dental implants look and act like natural teeth, giving you the beautiful smile you deserve.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed into the jaw bone in the location where you are missing teeth. They serve as the anchor to support an artificial tooth placed over the top of the implant.

Dental implants are usually made of titanium, and the cylinder that makes up the post looks like a very small screw. The implant is essentially screwed into the jaw bone and will fuse with it to create a durable and long-lasting artificial root to support a permanent artificial tooth replacement.

Implants are typically used to replace a missing tooth. Yet, dental implant technology has evolved over the years and is now used for other types of dental work, including bridges, crowns, and dentures.

Benefits Of Dental Implants

Dental implants provide several benefits, such as:

Improved chewing: Implants make chewing and eating food easier. They do not slip or come loose like dentures, partial plates, or certain types of bridges.
Prevent jaw bone loss: When you have a missing tooth, the jaw bone where the tooth was can start to disintegrate and shrink. Implants stop this from occurring and help keep your jaw bone healthy.
Prevent receding gums: Tooth loss can cause gum tissue to shrink and recede, which can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease to develop around the surrounding teeth. Implants help prevent this and allow you to maintain healthy gum tissue.
Improves speech: Losing teeth can alter your speech and ability to pronounce different words. Implants restore the missing teeth for improved speech.
Gives you a beautiful smile: You will no longer feel embarrassed about smiling because you will no longer have missing teeth.
Last a long time: Implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and oral hygiene.
Preserve surrounding teeth: When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth could shift and move into the open space. You also do not have to worry about altering the surrounding healthy teeth and removing enamel to support a dental bridge.
Prevents tooth loss: When a tooth on the lower jaw is missing, the upper corresponding tooth can fall out in some cases because there isn’t a lower tooth there to provide added support.
All-natural feel: Implants look and function just like your natural teeth. Once they are fully healed, you will not notice a difference.
Easy to maintain: Dental implants do not require special cleaning or upkeep. You simply brush them twice daily and floss them once daily.
Saves money in the long run: Dentures, partial plates, and bridges have to be replaced multiple times. Since implants last a lifetime, you can save money with implants.

Dental Implant Procedure

The entire procedure for getting dental implants takes about four to six months.

Initial Exam

Before the implant is even placed into the jawbone, you need to start with a routine exam. It is important to ensure your teeth, jawbone, and gums are healthy, and your jaw can support an implant. If there has been too much jawbone loss, you may not be a good candidate for an implant. During this exam, an X-ray will be taken in the location where you want the implant.

Routine Cleaning And Implant Installation

Before installing your implant, you should have your teeth cleaned to remove any plaque and tartar. This also helps reduce the risk of bacteria getting into the jawbone and causing an infection.

After your teeth are cleaned, the area around where the implant will be installed is numbed with local anesthesia in preparation for dental implant surgery. Once the area is numbed, your dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue, exposing the jaw bone.

Next, they will drill a small hole into the jawbone and screw in the implant. Now, they will clean the area, close up the gum tissue, and stitch it shut.

Teeth Whitening

Getting teeth whitening before and after you have the impression taken for the artificial tooth is highly recommended. You want the replacement tooth to be the same color as the surrounding teeth to look natural.

Teeth Impressions And Setting The Abutment

In about three months, you will have a follow-up visit to take teeth impressions for the artificial tooth and to verify that the implant and jawbone have fully healed. If they have, then the abutment will be installed.

The abutment is a small post that is screwed into the implant and sits just on top of the gum tissue. You will be numbed again, and a small incision is made to expose the implant and install the abutment. Afterward, the site is stitched closed.

Artificial Tooth Installation

In about a month, you will return to have your artificial tooth installed on top of the abutment.

If you require longer healing time, your appointments will be adjusted accordingly before the next step in the procedure occurs.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?

Unlike other cosmetic procedures, like porcelain veneers, most dental insurance plans cover part of the costs of dental implants because they are considered a restorative procedure. However, you may have to meet a deductible and could also have a co-payment. You can contact your dental insurance provider or our office to determine if your dental insurance covers implants.

Schedule A Consultation For Houston Dental Implants Today

It is easy and affordable to get missing teeth replaced with Houston dental implants from URBN Dental. We have several office locations throughout the Greater Houston Area. Get the beautiful smile you deserve by restoring missing teeth with dental implants. Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.

FAQ

Why Should You Get An Implant?

The reasons to get an implant vary from person to person. Some of the primary reasons people get implants are:

Restore their smile
Makes it easier to chew and eat
Protect their gums and jawbone
Helps prevent teeth from moving or falling out

Who Needs Implants?

Anyone who wants to replace missing teeth needs implants. They are also recommended for people who have problems with slipping dentures, partial plates, and bridges or find these dental appliances painful to wear.

How Much Is A Dental Implant?

The costs for dental implants have decreased as they have become more popular and widely used. On average, a dental implant can range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on various factors. Sometimes, your out-of-pocket costs could be even less if your dental insurance covers implants. For an accurate estimate, you should schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at URBN Dental.

Sources:

Dental Implants: A Permanent Tooth Replacement to Consider. (2023).

Dental Implant Surgery. (2023).

Implants 101. (2023).

Before And After Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Benefits Of Dental Implants

Dental Implant Procedure

Initial Exam

Routine Cleaning And Implant Installation

Teeth Whitening

Teeth Impressions And Setting The Abutment

Artificial Tooth Installation

Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?

Schedule A Consultation For Houston Dental Implants Today

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